Helpful Score: 15
First Line: It was my father who called the city the Mansion on the River.
It is said that Pat Conroy has a remarkable command of the language of the heart. For me over the years, this has been very true. Where some may see sentimentality, melodrama, and florid prose, I have always seen the mists of memory and the abiding power of friendship to transform and to strengthen. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
When I learned that, at long last, a new Conroy novel was about to be published, I was happy. When I discovered that the title of the novel was South of Broad I think my smile stretched from ear to ear. To me, "south of Broad" can only mean Charleston, South Carolina, and it is in the beautiful city of Charleston that Conroy places his disparate band of friends.
In 1969, Leo "Toad" King was about to embark on his final year of high school. It's never been particularly easy for Toad. When he was a child, he found the body of his beloved older brother Steve in a blood-filled bathtub-- a suicide. No one knew what on earth could've made this golden teenager take his own life, and in his horror and denial Leo rapidly became a misfit. It is remarkable that, in this final year of high school, he is able to become a part of a very interesting mix of friends: Ike Jefferson, the son of the first black high school football coach in Charleston; two orphans Niles and Starla Whitehead; Molly, Chad and Fraser, members of Charleston aristocracy; and the twins Sheba and Trevor Poe who, along with their alcoholic mother, are on the run from their psychotic father.
The story alternates between these friends' senior year in 1969 and 1989 when Sheba-- now a Hollywood star-- comes back to Charleston to ask her friends to help her find her HIV-positive brother in AIDS ravaged San Francisco. Conroy touches upon some major themes in South of Broad: racism, homosexuality, classism, and religion. Most of all the book is a love letter to Charleston and to the power of friendship.
Leo usually speaks in rather awed tones of his friends. No matter how old he becomes, he will always be "Toad", always the misfit, always the one who doesn't quite measure up to the glamor, style and success of his friends, no matter how nice he genuinely is or how hard he tries. He speaks to all those who have ever felt themselves to be outsiders.
If there is any part of this novel that I had a problem with, it was the plot element concerning Sheba and Trevor's psychotic father. This character was a one-dimensional bogey man that I had a difficult time believing. For the most part, I was carried away on the tide of Leo's memories and of my own of a magical day I spent wandering the streets of Charleston four months before Hurricane Hugo hit. Conroy made me remember a very special city, and he made me remember and give thanks that there are people in the world who truly know how to be friends.
It is said that Pat Conroy has a remarkable command of the language of the heart. For me over the years, this has been very true. Where some may see sentimentality, melodrama, and florid prose, I have always seen the mists of memory and the abiding power of friendship to transform and to strengthen. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
When I learned that, at long last, a new Conroy novel was about to be published, I was happy. When I discovered that the title of the novel was South of Broad I think my smile stretched from ear to ear. To me, "south of Broad" can only mean Charleston, South Carolina, and it is in the beautiful city of Charleston that Conroy places his disparate band of friends.
In 1969, Leo "Toad" King was about to embark on his final year of high school. It's never been particularly easy for Toad. When he was a child, he found the body of his beloved older brother Steve in a blood-filled bathtub-- a suicide. No one knew what on earth could've made this golden teenager take his own life, and in his horror and denial Leo rapidly became a misfit. It is remarkable that, in this final year of high school, he is able to become a part of a very interesting mix of friends: Ike Jefferson, the son of the first black high school football coach in Charleston; two orphans Niles and Starla Whitehead; Molly, Chad and Fraser, members of Charleston aristocracy; and the twins Sheba and Trevor Poe who, along with their alcoholic mother, are on the run from their psychotic father.
The story alternates between these friends' senior year in 1969 and 1989 when Sheba-- now a Hollywood star-- comes back to Charleston to ask her friends to help her find her HIV-positive brother in AIDS ravaged San Francisco. Conroy touches upon some major themes in South of Broad: racism, homosexuality, classism, and religion. Most of all the book is a love letter to Charleston and to the power of friendship.
Leo usually speaks in rather awed tones of his friends. No matter how old he becomes, he will always be "Toad", always the misfit, always the one who doesn't quite measure up to the glamor, style and success of his friends, no matter how nice he genuinely is or how hard he tries. He speaks to all those who have ever felt themselves to be outsiders.
If there is any part of this novel that I had a problem with, it was the plot element concerning Sheba and Trevor's psychotic father. This character was a one-dimensional bogey man that I had a difficult time believing. For the most part, I was carried away on the tide of Leo's memories and of my own of a magical day I spent wandering the streets of Charleston four months before Hurricane Hugo hit. Conroy made me remember a very special city, and he made me remember and give thanks that there are people in the world who truly know how to be friends.
Helpful Score: 11
I seldom write reviews but feel the need to write one for his book. This is a wonderfully written story that takes you to the happy yet sad days of high school. When you are feeling comfortable with this well written story it plunges you into horrific situations beyond the control of any of the characters. I'd say it was a beautiful book about terrible things and about the wonder of friendships. It is sunshine and the darkest of nights. It will make you cry and make you shout with triumph. Pat Conroy is a master of his craft and this book did not disappoint in any way.
Helpful Score: 10
Pat Conroy has written another hit. This one is a based in Charleston, South Carolina and is a story of unlikely friendships that start in High School and last a lifetime. Leo King is eight years old when he finds his ten year old brother who has committed suicide. This tragedy colors the rest of his life and brings him to gather a motley crew of friends his senior year in high school. This group of friends stays together over a lifetime and can always count on each other.
Leos mother never liked him because he was not his beautiful brother Steve. She was always telling him how ugly, stupid, and crazy he was. I could relate to Leo so much. I had the very same mother! Leo grew up in the south during integration just as I did and was just one year younger than me. We had the same experiences with our high schools being integrated, the fear, anger, hatred and finally acceptance.
Twenty years later, the group is pulled into a mystery when Sheba, now a movie star, asks for their help in finding her twin brother Trevor. Although Pat Conroy is wonderful at building characters, describing the location and making you feel a real part of the story, he is not really into keeping us on the edge of our seat in the mystery department. It was pretty easy to figure out everything long before the answer was revealed but it did not take anything away from the story at all because his skills at writing a believable story are amazing.
Being a southerner myself and very familiar with Charleston, I could see each street and house and walled garden as it was being described. I have also spent many days in San Francisco so I could picture the rundown neighborhoods and the mansion on the coast. And for those of you not familiar with these locations, Mr. Conroy has masterfully painted a magical picture for you to treasure.
I could not put this book down once I picked it up and as soon as I finish passing it around to all my friends, I plan on reading it again.
Leos mother never liked him because he was not his beautiful brother Steve. She was always telling him how ugly, stupid, and crazy he was. I could relate to Leo so much. I had the very same mother! Leo grew up in the south during integration just as I did and was just one year younger than me. We had the same experiences with our high schools being integrated, the fear, anger, hatred and finally acceptance.
Twenty years later, the group is pulled into a mystery when Sheba, now a movie star, asks for their help in finding her twin brother Trevor. Although Pat Conroy is wonderful at building characters, describing the location and making you feel a real part of the story, he is not really into keeping us on the edge of our seat in the mystery department. It was pretty easy to figure out everything long before the answer was revealed but it did not take anything away from the story at all because his skills at writing a believable story are amazing.
Being a southerner myself and very familiar with Charleston, I could see each street and house and walled garden as it was being described. I have also spent many days in San Francisco so I could picture the rundown neighborhoods and the mansion on the coast. And for those of you not familiar with these locations, Mr. Conroy has masterfully painted a magical picture for you to treasure.
I could not put this book down once I picked it up and as soon as I finish passing it around to all my friends, I plan on reading it again.
Helpful Score: 6
No one can write prose describing Charleston and the South quite like Pat Conroy and he does it again in South of Broad. I didn't think the story had quite the strength of Prince of Tides and sometimes got the names confused as two of his female characters had similar names. However, the sheer joy of reading his prose made it worth the read and we'll eagerly await his next novel.
Helpful Score: 6
As a long-time Conroy fan, I can't give this book anything less than four stars for the exquisite prose; however, I felt that the characters and situations were contrived. It was as if he had listed the worst things that can possibly happen to people (specifically children) and built a plot around them. The Great Santini remains my favorite Conroy book with its poignant autobiographical scenes. After waiting so long for this novel, I had hoped for more substance, but it is a well-written tribute to his love of Charleston, and his writing is breath-taking.
Helpful Score: 3
Very seldom do I read a book that releases such a flood of endorphins after finishing the last page. This wondrous tale of South Carolinian high school friends, then and now, soars through the ages and fills the readers' hearts with joy. It has been many years since I enjoyed a book this much. Five stars and my very highest recommendation!
Helpful Score: 2
Being a fan of Conroys since reading The Great Santini, I was thrilled when this was released. Unfortunately, this one just didn't ring true for me and I admit to being disappointed. The story was all just a little too pat, a little too indulgent compared to his other work.
Helpful Score: 2
Pat Conroy has a way of getting into the hearts and minds of his characters, and deals with difficult familial relationships. Being a southerner who has lived out of the South for over 10 years, reading this book felt like being back with "my people". Too often people from other parts of the country see all Southerners as rednecks and poor white trash.It was good to read a book that represents some of the amazing changes that have happened in the South.
I couldn't put the book down, and although I wanted to savor every word, the story kept drawing me in and I finished it much more quickly than I wanted to.
I couldn't put the book down, and although I wanted to savor every word, the story kept drawing me in and I finished it much more quickly than I wanted to.
Helpful Score: 2
Good summer read. I usually stay away from Pat Conroy books as i perceive them to be long-winded and slightly depressive. this had some trademark Southern Conroy but the story moved and kept me hooked. Yes, it was a bit fluffy but I enjoyed the characters and the story.
Helpful Score: 2
It actually saddens me that I'll probably never have a friend like these friends were. Sometimes when I'm reading a book I read reviews other people have written about it. One review I read claimed she couldn't understand why they were friends when they hated each other so much - but that simply isn't true. They loved each other to the core, but their dialogue is heavy with sarcasm. That reader was just confused.
The story deals very well with sexism, racism, sexual orientation-ism, and classism. This is the first time I've read a novel dealing with racism that didn't sound forced or like a made-for-TV script, which was refreshing.
The story deals very well with sexism, racism, sexual orientation-ism, and classism. This is the first time I've read a novel dealing with racism that didn't sound forced or like a made-for-TV script, which was refreshing.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed reading South of Broad. I found the descriptions of Charleston, SC enchanting and mesmerizing. Pat Conroy did an excellent job on the characters portrayed in the novel. I liked the book, it had some twists and turns to keep it interesting.
Helpful Score: 1
Although this book was a bit too long it was nevertheless worthwhile reading.The characters were well developed, the story interesting, beautiful prose....if you are a fan of Conroy and the "southern genre" you will love this book.
Helpful Score: 1
this book was depressing and a difficult read.
Helpful Score: 1
not as riveting as PRINCE OF TIDES. Took a while to get into the story too.
A decent story line.
A decent story line.
Helpful Score: 1
Conroy's fans will not be disappointed. Story of unlikely friendships among diverse group of teens that lasts well beyond high school. Somewhat farfetched tale, but keeps your interest, and everything resolved by the end.
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating story-well told for the most part- I did wonder why the characters, who are such 'good' friends put up with the fighting that goes on between them, whenever they get together. Would have liked some more on Toad and his wife-when did things go bad? Would also have liked more about them during the years between High School and 20 years later-but all in all a good book.
Helpful Score: 1
Conroy is a master
I love Pat Conroy's previous books, but this one was disappointing. Unfortunately, the characters were not believable, the story had too many plot lines [SPOILER ALERT]-- a huge hurricane, a killer on the loose, a trek to San Francisco to rescue an AIDS stricken friend being held hostage, a pedophile priest -- and it was mainly a depressing, sad read. I liked the descriptions of Charleston and the South, loving both myself, but that was about all I enjoyed.
Pat Conroy can magically transform prose into poetry. Nobody can spin words like he can. But thats not all. That he understands the art of storytelling is made abundantly clear in SOUTH OF BROAD. True, it started out slowly and, for a while, it had me wondering if there was a story there at all. But there was that beautiful music he creates from his words to carry me through until suddenly the story took over and I was hooked.
SOUTH OF BROAD covers just about every form of bigotry known to mankind: racial prejudice as experienced through his close friends, Ike Jefferson and his girlfriendand later wifeBetty; the superior attitude of the privileged in this South Carolina town with their scorn for those of a lower social standing; and the attitude reserved for homosexuals in Charleston and beyond back in the 60s. The story builds to a crescendo then falls back and builds again as the reader comes to know and loveor hatethese people whose enduring bond of friendship dates all the way back to their high school days and still remains strong.
As should be expected of any book worthy of ones time, SOUTH OF BROAD induced me to laughter and reduced me to tears, and generated every emotion in between. Leopold "Leo" King is the narrator and main character; it is his story to tell. In it, he covers everything from what it meant to him to grow up Southern Catholic, to his inability to cope with his brothers death, to his struggles and determination to become a better mana man like his own father, Jasper King, who rivals Atticus Finch when it comes to memorable literary fathers!
Leo is fiercely loyal to his odd menagerie of eccentric and dysfunctional friends, and often profound in his frankness and honesty. Leo is simultaneously courageous and broken, optimistic and lost, but he never gives up, and his friends tend to look to him for direction in their lives.
In the end, SOUTH OF BROAD is worthy of Pat Conroy and worthy of recommendation to anyone looking for a good story to read.
SOUTH OF BROAD covers just about every form of bigotry known to mankind: racial prejudice as experienced through his close friends, Ike Jefferson and his girlfriendand later wifeBetty; the superior attitude of the privileged in this South Carolina town with their scorn for those of a lower social standing; and the attitude reserved for homosexuals in Charleston and beyond back in the 60s. The story builds to a crescendo then falls back and builds again as the reader comes to know and loveor hatethese people whose enduring bond of friendship dates all the way back to their high school days and still remains strong.
As should be expected of any book worthy of ones time, SOUTH OF BROAD induced me to laughter and reduced me to tears, and generated every emotion in between. Leopold "Leo" King is the narrator and main character; it is his story to tell. In it, he covers everything from what it meant to him to grow up Southern Catholic, to his inability to cope with his brothers death, to his struggles and determination to become a better mana man like his own father, Jasper King, who rivals Atticus Finch when it comes to memorable literary fathers!
Leo is fiercely loyal to his odd menagerie of eccentric and dysfunctional friends, and often profound in his frankness and honesty. Leo is simultaneously courageous and broken, optimistic and lost, but he never gives up, and his friends tend to look to him for direction in their lives.
In the end, SOUTH OF BROAD is worthy of Pat Conroy and worthy of recommendation to anyone looking for a good story to read.
Fabulous book. Excellent plot, wonderful writing, great character development. I loved it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can not wait to visit Charleston for the first time to see the city so vividly described by Conroy. His language and writing style just leaps off the page with images of a beautiful Southern city. And the characters are equally vivid in their personalities and relationships. Just a great reading experience with a plot line that was interesting and attention-grabbing.
Disappointing for Conroy. Clearly not his best work. I have read all of his books, this one doesn't even seem like it could have been written by him. Characters are somewhat superficial, story isn't plausible and add to that, the story just drags. Not very interesting. It starts off well with his great writing style and because it is Conroy, I wanted to keep reading. But it just gets harder and harder to stay with the book. Three stars for his writing.
This book is a very fast read. In some places it seemed a bit contrived but overall I really enjoyed reading it. There was a real twist at the end I wasn't expecting. Most of the action happens in and around Charleston. Makes me want to visit the city sometime in the future.
Pat Conroy is a great storyteller.He has a way of transplanting you right into the story.This one was every bit as good as The Prince Of Tides.
Mark T
Mark T
Pat Conroy is a stunning story teller. A southern author, his love of Charleston is always obvious and makes the reader want to go. The character Leo King is introduced when he is an adolescent who has had a tragic past for his young years. Read how tragedy has shaped the lives of his parents and himself after his beloved brother's suicide. Leo is left lonely and isolated until he becomes part of an odd group of friends....a pair of glamorous twins, a hardscrabble brother and sister who are orphaned, and the first black football player in his school. As well as socialites Molly and her boyfriend Chadworth. Follow this unlikely group of friends through 20 years from the 1960 counterculture to the AIDS crisis in the 80s. This story is the ultimate test of friendship and betrayal. A wonderful read!!
Pat Conroy at his best. No author has a way with words like Conroy. I loved the book and couldn't put it down. Best book I have read this year....and I read a lot of books!
Genny
Genny
well written, as all of pat conroy's books are. however, not believable.
Honestly, quite uninteresting characters in a crafted plot within a great setting. Conroy knows Charleston but this is not my cup of tea.
I don't quite understand reviewers who dwell on the past efforts of an author and then drone on endlessly about how so and so book didn't live up to their personal expectations and then follow up with the slamming of an author when they write the same book over and over. Really? What does an author have to do to please the masses?
South of Broad is a wonderful story told in the first person narrative of Leo Bloom King beginning on Bloomsday, June 16, 1969 in Charleston, South Carolina when Leo is starting out on his senior year of high school.
Leo's life so far has not been easy, he found his brother after a suicide in the family home. The brother that was the golden child. The brother that everyone loved and worshiped. The brother that he could never live up to. Leo always considered himself the ugly one, the afterthought, the one that was never quite good enough. After years in mental institutions and medication, Leo is now on his way to his final year in school. A school where everyone knows his story and his mother, a rather stern woman, is the principal and expects just a little bit more from her son.
The trite expression of "this is the first day of the rest of your life" is quite true for Leo. This is the day that he will unexpectantly meet his life long friends. A band of damaged misfits that all come together and with the love and guidance that a person can only dream of from friends, create lives that are both horrendous and fulfilling at the same time.
Everything is in this book, love, lust, loss, longing, lamenting, and loneliness all played out against the largest character of them all, the city of Charleston. Conroy draws such beautiful and complete pictures of the town and its people that you are there. You can feel their heartache and their love.
As the book concludes, 20 remarkable years have passed and Hurricane Hugo is bearing down on this stunning town, a killer is on the loose and every life in Leo's little world will be affected. Truths will come out, people will show their true colors and Leo will draw his loved ones close and tell a beautiful story to the next generation that has you hoping that life really can have a happily ever after ending.
South of Broad is a wonderful story told in the first person narrative of Leo Bloom King beginning on Bloomsday, June 16, 1969 in Charleston, South Carolina when Leo is starting out on his senior year of high school.
Leo's life so far has not been easy, he found his brother after a suicide in the family home. The brother that was the golden child. The brother that everyone loved and worshiped. The brother that he could never live up to. Leo always considered himself the ugly one, the afterthought, the one that was never quite good enough. After years in mental institutions and medication, Leo is now on his way to his final year in school. A school where everyone knows his story and his mother, a rather stern woman, is the principal and expects just a little bit more from her son.
The trite expression of "this is the first day of the rest of your life" is quite true for Leo. This is the day that he will unexpectantly meet his life long friends. A band of damaged misfits that all come together and with the love and guidance that a person can only dream of from friends, create lives that are both horrendous and fulfilling at the same time.
Everything is in this book, love, lust, loss, longing, lamenting, and loneliness all played out against the largest character of them all, the city of Charleston. Conroy draws such beautiful and complete pictures of the town and its people that you are there. You can feel their heartache and their love.
As the book concludes, 20 remarkable years have passed and Hurricane Hugo is bearing down on this stunning town, a killer is on the loose and every life in Leo's little world will be affected. Truths will come out, people will show their true colors and Leo will draw his loved ones close and tell a beautiful story to the next generation that has you hoping that life really can have a happily ever after ending.
One of the best books I've read in a long time
This was last month's selection by my bookclub. The consensus among our members was that it was not Conroy at his best. The characters were not plausable, and the plot seemed to have a little of everything but the kitchen sink. Not one of my favorites.
I didn't like this book. There were several main conflicts to this story, so it was a little hard to focus. This is meant to be a realistic story, yet there were several huge things that were far from realistic. Growing up in the south in the 60's, especially in Charleston (if you could forget since he mentions it almost every page), would not have allowed this book to occur.
I loved this book! One empathizes with all the characters, good & bad. It was the kind of story that you were sorry to see end.
Picked this book for our bookclub and everyone enjoyed the book and a lively discussion was had by all. We felt the prose in the beginning was well written then the author got in a hurry and the writting became rather average. The characters were interesting and the culture of Charleston was very informative. We especially enjoyed the charactoer of Toad. Highly recommend the book.
At times way a overwritten, egotistical novel. Characters and situations not plausible. A book I read through to the end but can't say that I enjoyed.
This book is a mere shadow of Conroy's previous books. While it had its moments, the characters were not believable. For example teens do not speak and behave at all as portrayed in this book.
Conroy is my favorite author, but he called this one in. So very many of the same story lines as in his other books. There is nothing at all new "South of Broad" and that makes me very sad.
Pat Conroy wooed me with his use of words right from the first page. I did have trouble with the people and the plot line. The dialog they had with each other did not sound true to life.Some parts were a little predictable. I could not identify with any of the characters. I finished the book , but did not love it as much on the last page as on the first page.
If this were a true story, I might find it fascinating. Unfortunately, I knew it was fiction and highly improbable fiction at that. If this were a travel book about Charleston, I might have enjoyed parts of it as much as I have enjoyed visiting this city. But, it isn't a travelog, and the characters and rambling plot get in the way. If this were a "coming of age" novel, I could get into some of the relationships between snotty Charleston natives, integration pioneers, and Appalachian transplants but the inclusion of extremely talented twins with a background of abuse by an estranged and homicidal father added an overload of irrational relationships and subplots. In short, I just didn't know what this story was intended to do or say, and apart from some witty and entertaining dialog, I just could not conclude it was an enjoyable or meaningful read.
Really good book!
